2012: First Look: Hyundai i30 Wagon

Hyundai has showed off photos of its new i30 Wagon that will make its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show next month. The all-new wagon will join the i30 hatchback in Hyundai's European lineup later this year.

We know the i30 hatchback here in the States as the all-new 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT, which made its debut earlier this month alongside the two-door Hyundai Elantra Coupe at the Chicago Auto Show. American buyers also get a third, sedan version of the Elantra, as well.

The new i30 Wagon is powered by the same engines as the Euro i30 Hatchback, including three gas and three diesel engines, ranging from 89 to 133 hp. Overall length of the wagon is up 7.3 inches to 176.6 inches compared the hatchback, and cargo room behind the rear seats has grown to 18.6 cubic feet; with the rear seats folded cargo space is more than tripled to nearly 58 cubic feet.

Hyundai's i30 Wagon was designed alongside the i30 hatchback at Hyundai's R&D center in Ruesselsheim, Germany, "enabling the stylists to fashion a coherent design that bears a strong family resemblance inspired by Hyundai's fluidic sculpture form language," according to Hyundai.

The i30 hatchback and wagon are nearly identical on the front, but from the B-pillar back the wagon's roofline extends further back giving it a proper station wagon look while retaining Hyundai's family resemblance. The rear window wraps around the D-pillar to decrease blind spots.

The i30 Wagon will be the second bodystyle of the i30 line sold in Europe, and Hyundai has no plans to bring it across the pond. Should Hyundai bring a proper Elantra Wagon stateside, for a full lineup of C-segment cars? Or does the upcoming GT model fill the bill for a practical, yet sporty five-door? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Most Viewed Articles

Automobile offers a rich and varied examination of the automotive universe in all its forms - delivered by our stable of first-class editors and freelance contributors and illustrated with vibrant photography.